on volunteering

Jim Griffin ’83
My name is Jim Griffin ’83, and I am one of the four participation co-chairs helping to facilitate Milton’s Class Agent program. This year I celebrate my 25th Reunion at Milton.  In some ways, it seems hard to believe it was that long ago I graduated from high school, and 2008, which seemed so far away back in 1983, is here and now.

I began my volunteer activities at Milton before I graduated, and have volunteered at some level ever since. Milton volunteer work is the longest continuous thing I have done in my life!  As with most graduates, my level of involvement has been a little like my investment in the stock market of late – consistently invested, yet with periods of ups and downs, depending on my situation in life.  Although I often think about my level of involvement, I realize that in some respects I am also like a donor to the Annual Fund.  Some years, the effort I put in is equivalent to a leadership donor; in other years, it is like sending in a $25 check.  Yet, just like every dollar raised counts, every minute I put into my volunteer work is, I trust, just as important for our School.

I have been active as a class agent, served on my reunion committees, and served two stints with the National Annual Giving Committee, most recently working to increase our percentage of graduates giving to the annual fund.  The work connects me with my school, and with my classmates.  I realize after I leave each Reunion how much I miss the more consistent contact with those classmates with whom I was friendly, and those to whom I was not as close, yet now have more in common.  I pledge each reunion year to stay more connected, and this time I hope that wish pays off.

Now that I live more than 900 miles from Milton’s campus, I often ask myself why I continue to volunteer.  It really comes down to my gratitude for the education I received and experience I had, which has prepared me well for my life as an adult.  For my four years, Milton was an all-encompassing place where I grew and matured greatly. A place where I learned to study, lead, and partner with others; lessons that have served me well in life.  And, like so many others, I could not have attended the school without the generosity of those graduates who came before me.

One of my classmates remarked to me a few years ago how much he realized he had gotten out of his experience, especially when he shared high school notes with others.  It did not dawn on him until he was nearing 40 how positive and important these four years were.  The same really goes for me, in that I appreciate what I had more and more each day.  Milton was a place where no matter what you were interested in you could pursue it, yet those that pursued very different things could get along and be good friends.  I think some of that comes from the small size of the school where everyone knows everyone at some level.  One example of this is the Class IV play, which is the one activity that I did not participate in, and have regretted ever since.  That was one event where so many classmates with varied interests all came together for a series of weeks. The result was they not only did a fabulous job performing the play, but also made contact with others that led to a mutual respect for varied interests.  That respect carried with them through our senior year.

For me, student government, where I had served as the day school monitor, Blue Key which I led as a senior, and athletics, where I played for our very successful hockey teams, were the activities of choice.  Each of those experiences were wonderful and in their own ways taught me special lessons for which I am grateful each day.

Milton was and is a special place. Each time I return to campus, I reminisce about my four years, and undoubtedly a smile crosses my face.   I am looking forward to my 25th reunion and the chance I have each year to give back to my School.

Paul Robinson ’55
This is Paul Robinson 1955, Class Agent and Participation Co-Chair of the Annual Fund. I have responsibility for the Class Agents from 1950-1969. I try to make their lives easier.

I have been the Class of 1955 Secretary since the early 1960's. I guess the term now is Class Agent. For over 48 years I have conducted the Annual Fund appeal for the Class of 1955. Currently, I now work with both the  men and women of '55. I volunteer because both my parents and Milton instilled in me a sense of giving and participation. I started off in 1944 in the Lower School. My mother called Milton and said she had three sons that she would like to send there. Milton said they would like to have the three sons attend. It was a wonderful admission policy. 

What made Milton Academy so special for me and my classmates was undoubtedly the faculty that taught us in the 1950s.  Frank Millet, Walter Byer, Henry Jackson, Reggie Nash, Charles Morris, Fritz Kempner, Barclay Feather, Howard Abell, Louie Andrews, Dick Bassett and  Arthur Bliss Perry to name a few. They were able to take many of our talents and guide us into the halls of learning. That influence led 64% of the class of 1955 into the field of education in one way or another.  We have had college professors, deans of faculty, principals, athletic directors, teachers and instructors, ambassadors, and coaches. All were influenced by those that taught them at Milton. In addition, we have had screenwriters, documentary academy award winners, and government officials. We have had remarkable success and much of that we owe to Milton Academy. So, I volunteer and others before me have as well, in one way or another, serving on committees, serving on the board of trustees, contributing to the School.

For our 50th reunion in 2005, the Class of 1955 gave back to the School in appreciation for what the school has meant to us. Our reunion gift of over $1 million was the largest single reunion gift in the School's history. In addition, an educational scholarship was created in the name of one of our classmates. The first Scullin scholar graduates this year and is off to college. Why did they give? I ask myself. They gave because of what Milton did for them. It educated them, gave them the desire to keep learning more and let them dare to be true throughout their lives.

I volunteer because of how I was taught, what I learned, and why a school like Milton is so important. Life long friendships have been developed not only with classmates, but also with the members of the faculty and administration past and present. Who can forget Headmaster Arthur Bliss Perry and the reading of the Christmas Carol each winter before the roaring fireplace in Straus Library.  The after-game teas in the homes of the faculty and coaches. Louis Andrews counseling a wrestler after a close match. The students helping to build the first hockey rink back in the early 1950's. There was a sense of belonging.  Milton Academy provided us with the skills to go forward in life and make contributions to those we came in contact with.

Has Milton changed over the years?  Of course it has. Not only has the physical plant changed and the diversity of the students, but also the activities and courses offered to the students have changed. However, the one constant that hasn't changed is the desire of the faculty and administration to produce the best education possible for the students entrusted to them.

I urge you now to remember your own enthusiasm and energy and encourage all of your classmates to reach down and give to the Annual Fund this year and in the years to come. Your daring  to be true, just as Milton Academy has  dared to be true for all these years, will serve as a model as well for all those you represent.

Emily Ebert '04

My name is Emily Ebert '04, and I’m one of four participation co-chairs responsible for leading the Class Agent program. In addition to updating everyone with giving numbers, I thought I would take a moment to tell you all about my own experience as a Milton volunteer.

I have been working with Milton’s Annual Fund since 11th grade, when my friends and I would meet every week at the development office to call alumni.  As a proud member of the 13-year club (and as a sister to two other 13-year club members), I have always considered Milton Academy to be family.  In fact, many of my favorite memories come from my time spent at Milton.  For instance, in the 2nd grade, I traveled with my 23 peers and two teachers to China – blue paper passport and pink barbie suitcase in hand.  Four years later, I spent two months as the Mayor’s daughter from “the Music Man” while rehearsing for the 6th grade play.  Or one of my most memorable days at Milton was after winter break freshman year, when I stood nervously in front of 60 classmates reciting my five-minute speech on chocolate for the Class IV talk.

As a recent graduate, I try to stay connected with Milton Academy as much as I can.  I have found that my role as a Class Agent is a great way to keep up this connection.  Through volunteering for Milton, I stay informed of campus news and events, which I can pass along during my phone calls with alumni.  I find that my classmates enjoy learning about Milton, and how it has changed or remained the same since they left 4 years ago.  I think the most exciting part of making these phone calls is being able to help remind alumni of their rewarding years spent at Milton. 

Just as you have your own unique memories of Milton, I’m sure you have your own reasons for volunteering, and for contributing to Milton’s Annual Fund. Whatever they are, thank you for your continued commitment to Milton.

Kristin Ostrem '99

My name is Kristin Ostrem '99, and I am another one of the four participation co-chairs helping to facilitate Milton’s Class Agent program. 

Attending Milton was a life-changing experience for me.  I began in Class IV and immediately fell in love with the school.  The small classes and inspiring teachers allowed me to excel academically and gain new confidence in my abilities.  Thanks to English Workshop, I can spot a megablunder from a mile away!  Participating in Milton’s chamber orchestra, I had the extraordinary experience of touring around England and performing in renowned halls and prominent churches.  For my senior project, I had the unique opportunity to spend five weeks cooking international cuisine, and assembling a “Cultural Cuisine” cookbook.  The friends I made at Milton are still some of my closest.  These memorable experiences have left me feeling indebted to Milton.

My professional passion lies within the field of education, so about three years ago, I accepted a job in Milton’s Development office, where I felt I could serve the school I loved and make an impact on current students.  In that role, I had the pleasure of working with Milton’s impressive staff and dedicated volunteers on fundraising for the Annual Fund.  It was a remarkable experience to meet so many other enthusiastic graduates and to hear their own stories of adoration for Milton.  There is an impressive alumni network across the country, and trust me – it is inspiring knowing how many alums show their support for Milton by giving back each year.

I left Milton at the end of last summer to move to New York and begin my Masters degree in Higher Education Administration.  Though no longer employed by Milton, I feel compelled to continue as a volunteer because of my devotion to the institution, and because volunteering helps me stay connected.  I’m sure most of you agree that it is a delight to serve as the bridge between alumni and the school, to encourage participation at Milton’s numerous events across the country, and to remind people what a difference they can make by participating each year in the Annual Fund. 

I hope you take advantage of Milton’s fantastic Web site.  It is a wonderful source of news about events and speakers on campus, as well as accounts of remarkable student achievements.  When in communication with my classmates via phone and email, I’m always able to provide them with up-to-date details of the impressive happenings on campus.  I find that the more people know, the more connected they feel, and the more compelled they are to help make a difference. 

Thank you for sharing your own enthusiasm and commitment to Milton by volunteering as a Class Agent.  I hope you feel good about your commitment, because I can assure you that as a fairly recent graduate, a former employee, and a devoted Milton ambassador, you are supporting a tremendous institution.

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